I was recently in Chelsea for a series of work meetings and was able to steal five minutes alone to visit the High Line. It was a beautiful fall day, the sun was shining, and I felt a few minutes of calm and quiet - even while being in the middle of New York City.
Motherhood and making time for yourself rarely go together. If you're like me, you feel like you're working from the time your feet hit the floor in the morning until your head hits your pillow at night. Carving out time for self-care can be very difficult but here are some more tips to help you recharge:
- Wake up a few minutes earlier to shower peacefully
- Catch up on DVR shows while you're waiting at a pediatrician appointment
- Leisurely wander Target while on your lunch break
- Chat with your friends on Facebook while the toaster prepares breakfast for the kids
- Make a standing girls' night out date with your girlfriends - and keep it religiously
- Find the one thing in your day that can always make you feel better, such as being sure you eat breakfast before the kids do, fixing your hair a certain way, stopping by Starbucks instead of making a Keurig cup at home
- Embrace the chore you like the most. I loathed washing the breast pump parts, but some moms enjoy making bottles with their pumped milk because it makes them feel closer to their baby. Some moms love to fold and put away laundry - I actually like laundry when I'm in the backyard hanging it on the clothesline because I feel closer to my mom and the way she used to take care of our family - listening to the birds, feeling the sunshine on my face.
- Exercise. Walk the dog, take the long way home with the stroller, or visit the park to get fresh air when you need to feel refreshed.
Having an outlet to share your thoughts, worries, and concerns is also very important. Journaling can help do this, but using an online forum like the Community section of MomsPumphere gives you a place to vent, share, and relate with other moms going through similar experiences.
Taking care of yourself shouldn't be a chore, but a healthy and active mom is usually a happy mom and you deserve to be all three. Happy Pump Day!
